Hmong or Miao ?

     In the past, Hmongs viewed Karens as a group without ability, just like the Akha. They didn't know how to find food for themselves. But today, that opinion has long since changed.

     In some places (Chiang Mai, for example) Karens and Hmongs live close to each other and will work together, but some Karen communities are completely unfamiliar with Hmongs.
     Hmongs think of themselves as a minority of hard-working, patient, intelligent people. Hmongs see themselves as second to no-one.
     Hmongs have never had a bias against Miens, because Hmongs and Miens come from the same ethnolinguistic background in China. Even though the Hmong and Mien languages are not the same, Hmongs and Miens have lived together peacefully for generations.
     In the past, Hmongs have had little interaction with Lahus, so they do not have much of an opinion either way. More recently Hmongs and Lahus have had greater interaction through trade.
     In the past, Hmongs did not like Lisus much, because the experience of Hmongs was greater than that of Lisus, but presently that feeling has started to change as society has changed to force greater interaction with the outside world.
     In the past, Hmongs viewed Akhas as a group that had no ability in fending for itself and a group that didn't really know how to do anything. Thus, Akhas were not equal to Hmongs. Currently, that perception has changed.
     In the past, Hmongs did not like Thais very much, because they saw that Thais took advantage of and exploited Hmongs, and that Thais were "black-hearted". Today that feeling is starting to change.
     In general, Miens have no problems with Hmongs, because each tribe allows the other tribe to live in peace. There are differences though, one being views over public health and sanitation.
     
     Historically, Lahus had very little interaction with Hmongs, so had very little opinion about them. Presently, however, Lahus have greater dealings with Hmongs, dealings that have led many Lahus to feel that Hmongs inter-personal skills are sub-par.
     In the past, Lisus could not get along with Hmongs at all, because they viewed Hmongs as selfish and always taking advantage, but today that feeling has faded.
     In the past, the Akhas (in Burma and Thailand) had no trade and little interaction with the Hmong (from Laos), so did not know much about Hmongs. Today, changes in society are causing all groups to have increased interaction and interdependence.
     A long history of trade has formed the Akha opinion of Thais as good people. Akhas admit that Thais are savvy, honest and have an incredible unity but really how many Thais are going to know ethnic minorities well enough to be able to call them by the right names? In general, Thais just call all hilltribes by the name Maew, even thougheach group has its own distinct name and culture. But, in the same way, ethnic minorities lump all Thais under the term Kon Meuang (the name Northen Thais give to themselves), even though there are many distinct sub-groups such as the Thai Lue and the Shan
     from http://www.hilltribe.org/compare/06-compare-names.php  27/06/2011

    What is yours ? Hmong or Miao ?